Why Spectrum?
I grew up in rural Tennessee, 30 minutes outside of Nashville. My interactions with medical providers were few, because I was privileged to be healthy.
When I was a new nurse, I had my first excellent healthcare experience as a consumer. Prior to that, I’d only encountered rushed providers and left visits feeling dismissed with unanswered questions due to my own anxiety, the provider’s demeanor or time limitations.
This provider was amazing. I made an appointment for a pap smear and to discuss birth control not expecting care to go any differently than it had in the past. When I arrived, it was a small, modestly decorated clinic, but I was immediately comfortable.
This nurse practitioner called me from the waiting room herself. She took my vitals herself. She was understanding and kind when I asked to get on the scale backwards and requested she not tell me my weight. I also felt comfortable enough to work up the courage for this small request since she didn’t seem rushed.
Our visit was an hour long. We chatted while I was dressed and seated on a couch. At the end she stepped out and I dressed in a soft robe that actually fit. My exam was slow and gentle.
After the appointment on the drive home, I had a small question. I called the clinic, left a message, and expected to never hear back or get a vague brush off. She called me back herself, and took the time to listen. I was amazed.
“I felt so heard and respected throughout all of our interactions. I loved having this relationship with my provider. ”
I felt so heard and respected throughout all of our interactions. I loved having this relationship with my provider. After I moved, I still drove an hour to see her. The clinic closed, but she made a lasting impression. Her clinic experience became a goal for me. I wanted to provide that experience for my patients, and have time to connect with patients as a provider. Her care raised the bar. Since I received care at her clinic, I’ve continued to have lackluster experiences as a patient in large practices unless I’m benefitting from the privilege of professional relationships with other providers. Her clinic was small, but so unique and special!
Unfortunately insurance almost never reimburses for hour long visits except for very complex patients. With decreasing insurance reimbursement rates, only high volume practices survive, and with hundreds of patients to each provider, more and more staff are needed to fill the distance between patient and provider. This often looks like rushed visits, overworked providers, and a poor patient experience. As a new provider I tried to always provide care that I was proud of, while also rushing through visits, still falling behind, and trying to chart enough to get reimbursed appropriately. Patients and providers both deserve better. For me, Spectrum is my answer to patients and providers deserving better in a sustainable way. I look forward to having lasting relationships with my patients and the Bellingham community!
